Carex cruciata Wahlenb.

Reported from Kashmir as C. condensata by C. B. Clarke (l.c.) and Kükenthal (l.c.). For variation in Himalayas, see Noltie in Fl. Bhutan 3,1: 378. 1994.

Perennial, 40-90 cm. Rhizome long, woody. Stem 1.5-2.5 mm diam., noded, trigonous, smooth. Leaves longer than stem; sheaths dark, often disintegrating into fibres; blades 4-10 mm wide, folded, prominent nerves scabrous. Inflorescence 20-40 cm, partial inflorescences remote; partial inflorescences 2-6, ovoid-pyramidal, rather dense, lower long pedunculate, peduncles scabrous. Bracts longer than inflorescence, long vaginate. Spikes 5-6 mm, female and male parts almost equal; glumes ovate, mucronate, brown. Utricles longer than glumes, 3.5-4 mm, ovoid or ellipsoid, slightly inflated, pubescent above; beak abruptly contracted, often curved, scabrous, bidentate. Stigmas 3. Nut c. 2 mm, ovoid to ellipsoid, trigonous.

Rather widely distributed from Madagascar through India and Indo-China, east to China and S. Japan.

Distribution: From Madagascar, Kashmir and India to Taiwan and Indonesia.

1500-3400 m

Fl. Per.: July-August.

Stony hillsides.

? C. condensata Nees in Wight, Contrib. Bot. India 123. 1834; R. R. Stewart, l.c. 75; T. Koyama, Cyperaceae, in Li & al., Fl. Taiwan 5: Pl. 1347. 1979.